The idea of owning a genuine piece of racing history in the form of an historic racer remains, for most people, little more than a dream. Thankfully, American firm Exotic Auto Restoration is helping to keep the dream alive with the Shelby Daytona Coupe Le Mans Edition.
Based on Carroll Shelby’s original 1964 design, the modern Daytona Coupe mixes the alluring lines of the original with modern touches inside and out.
To pay tribute to the car’s race heritage, a limited run of six track-ready cars will also be produced, commemorating the six original Le Mans racers.
The road version of the car features bulging Group 5 flares sitting over 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Daytona Coupe features a billet aluminium dash housing aircraft style toggle switches, along with a 200mph speedometer and 10,000rpm tachometer.
Also included are reclining Alcantara-trimmed seats embroidered with the “Le Mans Edition” logo and a suede trimmed Momo steering wheel. Functional billet aluminium louvers also adorn the top and sides of the bonnet.
Motivation is provided by a range of V8 engines based on Ford’s 351ci (5.8 litre) Windsor block. Drive is channeled to the rear wheels via Tremec’s T56 six-speed manual transmission.
The six special-edition track cars will add a six-point roll cage, lightweight wheels, 14-inch front and 13-inch rear six-piston brakes, carbon fibre front splitter and rear diffuser, programmable ignition and brake bias control.
Air conditioning and carpet get shown the door and racing buckets with six-point harnesses and a quick release steering wheel are added inside.
Power is provided by a dry-sumped 427ci (7.0 litre) engine producing 417kW (560hp) and 718Nm (530 lb-ft) of torque driven though a Tremec TKO-600 transmission.
Australian enthusiasts might also be aware that CTC performance in Warragul, Victoria, also produce a damn fine Daytona Coupe replica. You might want to also check out CTC’s offerings at www.cobtech.com.au
